Splendid Sandbanks

Day 1

We depart the local area with a stop on route for lunch, arriving at the 4* Sandbanks Hotel with time to settle in before dinner.

Day 2

This morning, we will visit Athelhampton, explore the 500-year-old house and find out about the history and the Hardy connection with their new short film, 'Hardy at Athelhampton'. The Great Hall built in 1485 remains greatly unchanged with a mainly original hammer-beam roof, carved stonework, stained glass, and other details. Stroll through the beautiful Elizabethan gardens and explore the beautifully restored Kitchen Gardens. We continue on to the Roman town of Dorchester with its fascinating Georgian architecture.

Day 3

Enjoy the day at leisure, relax at the hotel, wander along the beautiful beach and marvel at the extravagant architecture of Sandbanks famous residents. If you are feeling more adventurous there is a local sightseeing bus that stops outside the hotel and goes to Bournemouth or Swanage.

Day 4

After a leisurely breakfast we make our way around Poole Harbour to Compton Acres, known as one of the most important ornamental gardens in England. Here you can enjoy over 10 acres of horticultural heaven before we continue on for a cruise on the 1938 vintage motor yacht, Dorset Queen! Whilst on board you will listen to live commentary as you cruise down the North Channel of Poole Harbour, passing Brownsea Castle, 'Millionaires Row' at Sandbanks and much more.

Day 5

We depart the hotel, and with a stop on route, arrive home mid-afternoon.

D=Dinner, B=Breakfast